Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I ocassionaly run into fellow subs I use to see while working. They sing the same song, "I don't know why that school no longer calls me." Getting to the top tier of your district's subsitute teachers call list is just a few steps up a ladder if you follow my suggestions.

First rung: Simply conduct yourself in a professional manner like you would at the corporate level. Secondly - follow the absent teacher's lesson plans as close as possible. Finally, make an effort to click with the students. I go into expanded detail of this subject in my latest eHow article, "How to Become a Frequently Requested Substitute Teacher" : http://www.ehow.com/how_5781754_become-frequently-requested-substitute-teacher.html

Sunday, December 20, 2009

I believe most of we substitute teachers are "isolated". No, not loners as we do have do be extroverts
to do what we do best. I consider myself outgoing and friendly. My meaning is we have no sense of community with our fellow substitute teachers: no office parties or summer picnics or trade organizations like in many employee settings. Yes, I know my fellow subs and greet them in the hall or have friendly chats in the lunch
room - but that's the extent of our contact.

Until now.

I'm a veteran sub of many years experience yet I never knew there was a national group and better yet, an annual convention! If you can schedule it, pack your bags
for the The 2010 National Substitute Teacher's Alliance Annual Conference, May 20-22 in Las Vegas,
NV.

To learn more about the National Substitute Teacher's Alliance (NSTA) and the convention, go to:
http://www.nstasubs.org/ I created this blog as a virtual substitute teacher network, but perhaps we can all meet in person one day at this convention!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

I enjoy substitute teaching during December at the elementary school level. The classrooms are festive and lesson plans deviate a bit from the norm. I enjoy getting my holiday themed jewelry
and sweaters out to wear to work.
Planning emergency activities is easier, too. We instinctively can whip up art lessons
plans themed around winter holiday (remember to use this politically correct term!) Keep a Holiday themed coloring/activity book in your back that can quickly be photocopied for a time filler. Finally, have some holiday stickers or candy canes packed to use as reward incentives.

. . . A blog to help YOU become a savvy sub! We were all school children once. Remember when you had a substitute teacher? It was often a free-for-all for the students and a nightmare for the guest teacher. This blog will offer pointers to make a "sub day" an enjoyable and productive one for BOTH you and your students!

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About Me

FAVORITE QUOTATION:
"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."
Subbing for over 15 years gives me keen insight into this challenging and rewarding career!
Thomas Jefferson,
The 3rd President of the United States